Bringing together private, public and civic sectors as well as researchers, developers, educators and students from the academic community this conference will focus on the theme of Traditions and transformations in sustainability of rural communities: Balancing Living Culture and Nature. The theme of the conference is to promote sustainability in rural communities that are struggling under the forces of globalization. Sessions will explore the interplay between society, culture, economy and ecology and will address the complexity of multi-level, multi-interest, multifaceted choices and challenges involved in how traditions and transformations affect sustainability.